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Man found in Ouray County ditch died of exposure

Officials say a missing man found dead in an Ouray County ditch died of exposure.

The Montrose Daily Press
reports that the coroner says Darryl Hemphill's manner of death has been ruled accidental. The 50-year-old had been found in 2 to 4 inches of water in March.

Relatives had contacted authorities to check on Hemphill's welfare on March 12. He was discovered days later by passers-by in an area where rain had collected and formed a swampy area.

The coroner says the weather had been cold when Hemphill went missing and he was found completely wet. She says he did have medication and other substances that may have affected his awareness of conditions.